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City manager gets high marks

Steve Burkett scored a glowing review from the city of Sequim, according to a Feb. 25 press release.

The city used David Mercier, assistant city manager for the City of Vancouver, to help the council evaluate Burkett’s performance in three different areas: managerial skills, council relations and public relations.

Burkett received an 8.7 in both his relationships with the council and the public, and an 8.73 for managerial performance. Burkett said he was pleased with the review score and acknowledged that he still has ways to improve the city’s management.

He’s most proud of how he’s built the city’s leadership, improved city government’s internal policies and put standards in place.

He also cited his ability to balance the city’s budget and reduce costs by cutting down on staff and other expenditures. Under his direction, the city trimmed 5 percent of its operating budget.

Burkett still acknowledges that he has improvements to make, specifically in the areas of communication between city staff, counselors and the public.

One issue that came up was providing information to the council on a more regular basis.

“I think the main thing is to make sure that they’re informed and not surprised by significant things going on in the city. That’s an important factor in communications with council,” Burkett said.

Burkett’s contract stipulates a long-term incentive program to encourage him to stay with the city through 2015, but does not provide any raises during his tenure.

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